New cartridge for Pro-Ject RPM4?

[StaFri]

Hi,
I have a 25+ years old Pro-Ject RPM 4 (sort of predecessor to RPM5, methinks) and would like to replace the original OEM cartridge (Ortofon something?). I have never been much of a techie and haven't got a clue about compliance etc. My phono stage is in a Quad 99 pre. For financial reasons I would go for a MM, and not invest in something that's out of the spinner's league; somewhere around the £200 mark (or below)? Play mostly rock and some jazz.
Any suggestions?
Staffan Fritz

 

[daytona600]

Replace/upgrade the ortofon Something stylus or fit a Project MM

Accessories – Pro-Ject Audio Systems

www.project-audio.com

 

[Al ears]

Replace/upgrade the ortofon Something stylus or fit a Project MM

Accessories – Pro-Ject Audio Systems

www.project-audio.com

The Project cartridges are basically Ortofons.
Not sure which Ortofon it came with originally but easiest route is an Ortofon 2M Blue.
Of course it doesn't have to bean Ortofon....
The Audio Technica VM95SH would be a better buy need aligning adjustment.

 

[Integralista]

Hi,
I have a 25+ years old Pro-Ject RPM 4 (sort of predecessor to RPM5, methinks) and would like to replace the original OEM cartridge (Ortofon something?). I have never been much of a techie and haven't got a clue about compliance etc. My phono stage is in a Quad 99 pre. For financial reasons I would go for a MM, and not invest in something that's out of the spinner's league; somewhere around the £200 mark (or below)? Play mostly rock and some jazz.
Any suggestions?
Staffan Fritz

Hi Staffan, Project develop turntables with Ortofon cartridges, so pairing with Ortofon is the most safe combination. Ortofon 2M Blue is the right choice for Project RPM 4. I recommend to change a rubber belt, if still original from purchase. It is easy to get as spare part. And very important and normaly not done, pls. oil the bearing (3-4 drops) into whole for subplatter spindel. You can ask some more experienced friend or in hifi shop. It is an easy important maintenance. And If no other issue with wires, some noise from motor etc. than you can listen for next 5 and more years very good sound. BR. 😆

 

[Al ears]

Hi Staffan, Project develop turntables with Ortofon cartridges, so pairing with Ortofon is the most safe combination. Ortofon 2M Blue is the right choice for Project RPM 4. I recommend to change a rubber belt, if still original from purchase. It is easy to get as spare part. And very important and normaly not done, pls. oil the bearing (3-4 drops) into whole for subplatter spindel. You can ask some more experienced friend or in hifi shop. It is an easy important maintenance. And If no other issue with wires, some noise from motor etc. than you can listen for next 5 and more years very good sound. BR. 😆

The fact that they tend to use Ortofon or their own derivatives doesn't mean others might suit their decks better for the money.

 

[StaFri]

Hi everyone,
Thanks a lot for your advice! I think I might have taken the Ortofon 2M Blue route had I not found a Stanton 881S cartridge lying around. Since I was certain of the model (as opposed to the cartridge on the RPM-4) I ordered a new stylus (Tonar, mixed reviews so we'll see what happens). I hope the Stanton goes well with the arm; the stylus was certainly less expensive (49€) than a new 2M Blue.
And thanks for the suggestion about oil and belt, I'll certainly feed the spindle a few drops! Would olive oil do the trick or do I need to order some bespoke oil?
Staffan Fritz

 

[Al ears]

Hi everyone,
Thanks a lot for your advice! I think I might have taken the Ortofon 2M Blue route had I not found a Stanton 881S cartridge lying around. Since I was certain of the model (as opposed to the cartridge on the RPM-4) I ordered a new stylus (Tonar, mixed reviews so we'll see what happens). I hope the Stanton goes well with the arm; the stylus was certainly less expensive (49€) than a new 2M Blue.
And thanks for the suggestion about oil and belt, I'll certainly feed the spindle a few drops! Would olive oil do the trick or do I need to order some bespoke oil?
Staffan Fritz

Do not use olive oil. You need a light industrial one like they use on sewing machines
A mineral or synthetic one not a vegetable one.
There are plenty around for about £6

 

[daytona600]

Stanton 881s is a belter of a cartridge used one for decades but only with line contact styli like the Original stanton stereoheadron
using 49€ basic stylus will be like running a Ferrari on remould tyres in the rain

8881s Stanton correctly dialled in & fitted to a low mass arm suitable for a High Cu cartridge can & will run rings around many modern £1000+ cartridges
Will track almost every record at very low VTF and stick to a record like Poo too a Nappy

D81 – JICO

www.jico-stylus.com

 

[Al ears]

Stanton 881s is a belter of a cartridge used one for decades but only with line contact styli like the Original stanton stereoheadron
using 49€ basic stylus will be like running a Ferrari on remould tyres in the rain

8881s Stanton correctly dialled in & fitted to a low mass arm suitable for a High Cu cartridge can & will run rings around many modern £1000+ cartridges
Will track almost every record at very low VTF and stick to a record like Poo too a Nappy

D81 – JICO

www.jico-stylus.com

I'd agree. Fitting that Shibata tip stylus would make perfect sense if you have a good working 881 and were willing to spend £200 on a new cartridge although with shipping costs it may be more than he wanted to spend, I must admit, I have never owned any Stanton cart however just wished I had a Stanton 881S simply "hanging around" .... 🙂